Find out how popular the first name Faya has been for the last 14 years (from 2010 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Faya by gender

Based on the last 14 years of data, Faya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 17 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Faya.

The history of the first name Faya

The name Faya is believed to have its origins in the Arabic language, which is spoken primarily in the Middle East and North Africa. It is derived from the Arabic word "fayya," which means "radiant" or "shining." This suggests that the name was likely given to children in the hope that they would grow up to possess a radiant and bright personality.

In the Islamic tradition, the name Faya is sometimes associated with the concept of divine light or enlightenment. It is thought to have been used as a name for girls in various parts of the Arab world, particularly in regions where Arabic was the predominant language, such as the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, and North Africa.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Faya can be found in medieval Arabic literature. Faya bint al-Qahtani was a renowned poet who lived in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. She was known for her eloquent verses and her contributions to the preservation of Arabic literature and culture.

Another notable figure with the name Faya was Faya al-Ghazali, a 12th-century Muslim scholar and mystic from Persia (modern-day Iran). She was a prominent figure in the field of Sufism and is remembered for her writings on spiritual enlightenment and the pursuit of divine knowledge.

In more recent times, Faya Dayi was a Turkish writer and activist who lived from 1877 to 1950. She was a pioneer in the women's rights movement in Turkey and worked tirelessly to promote education and empowerment for women in her country.

Faya Ouedraogo was a Burkinabé politician and activist who lived from 1957 to 2018. She served as the Minister of Social Action and National Solidarity in Burkina Faso and was a vocal advocate for women's rights and gender equality in West Africa.

Faya Tess was an American singer and songwriter who gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. She was known for her soulful voice and her contributions to the contemporary R&B and neo-soul genres.

While the name Faya is not as common as some other Arabic names, it has maintained a presence throughout history, carried by notable figures from various fields and cultures, reflecting its rich heritage and meaning.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Faya was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Faya, please contact us.

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